Real Life

I'm currently tasked with making one of the biggest decisions of my life: "should I stay, or should I go?"

In case I haven't personally filled you in with recent developments in my life, the afforementioned question is referring to which job I should pursue.

The first job I could take is a position as a Contract Specialist with the US Army CECOM Contracting Center. Essentially, it's the organization I've been employed with over the last two years as a Student Trainee (it's based out of Fort Monmouth, but President Bush mandated the base be closed by 2011 and, hence, it is moving to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland). After initially resigning from the position (because September 30th was to be my last day), I had an epiphany (more on that later) and un-resigned (apparently that's possible) upon receiving an offer to enter an accelerated program that would ensure steady promotions over the next two years. Essentially, I'd be a GS-11 in just two years, which is not a rank you typically achieve in such short time. I could then transfer to different government agencies while keeping my rank, which puts me on track with my potential long-term goal of working in the accounting or business department of a federal agency such as the GAO, FBI, or NASA. But of course, because Fort Monmouth is moving, I would have to move to Maryland for this position.

The second job I could take is a position as a Business and Financial Analyst with Mitre Corporation, which is a non-profit organization operating federally-funded research and development centers that work closely with the Department of Defense, the IRS, Homeland Security, etc. My position would involve working on budgets for Army-related projects (but I would not technically be a government employee). I first heard about the job through Emily Zupkus's friend James (thanks to countless drunken nights this summer, he's become my friend as well), who referred me since he's employed there. I got a call back rather quickly, and my phone interview went... okay. A week later, I was called back for an in-person interview at the Mitre office in New Jersey. I interviewed four individuals over a period of two hours, and honestly, I couldn't possibly imagine it going any better than it actually did. It went extremely well; they felt the same way, as made clear when they asked to initiate a background check only a few hours later. And just today, I received a formal offer from them. That job would require moving to Maryland as well.

So there's a 100% chance that I'll be moving to Maryland.

Before you ask why I'm pondering to "stay" or "go" if both jobs are clearly in Maryland (and hence, I'm clearly going), I should explain that I already took the government job as a Contract Specialist. I'm actually a Maryland employee right now... but working at Fort Monmouth on "travel" until November. So when I ask if I should "stay" or "go," the "stay" refers to sticking with the government and the "go" refers to leaving the government for Mitre.

I guess now is a good time to elaborate on that epiphany I referenced earlier. Around labor day weekend, it dawned on me that just because I majored in accounting does not mean my job has to be in accounting. Granted I enjoy accounting, but if other business-oriented positions come my way, I should consider them for what they're worth. That's when I first started considering Maryland realistically. It was disheartening to think that I'd be leaving everything I've ever known, but the concept of moving was actually somewhat exciting to me. I wanted change. I couldn't continue living this post-college life of never wanting to grow up. I knew that I needed to step out of my comfort zone and, for the first time in my life, I gained the courage to do just that.

Now that I'm Maryland-bound, the possibilities for growth are endless. Regardless which job I pursue, I can be paid in full to get a masters degree in business administration or accounting. Both jobs offer a great salary and benefits, as well as opportunities to travel. And since both jobs are government-related, I can still ultimately satisfy my long-term goals.

I'd be lying if I said this wasn't a big change. This is a massive change.

I actually received a variety of feedback from friends I previously told this news to. Some got upset and begged me to stay, and others thought I was making the right decision and offered their support, and some offered responses that were in-between (for example, Michelle Fried made me a list of pros and cons). In one instance, I was told to "shut the fuck up," and in another instance, I was slapped across the face, without hesitation. Regardless which response I received, I appreciated seeing how much my friends truly do care. But rest assured, there's no need to say goodbye. Maryland is only two hours away, and I intend to be in New Jersey every other weekend, atleast. There are many of you who I want to remain in my life, and as long as you reciprocate, then I promise we'll make that happen.

This is not the end. It's a new beginning.